RIP Jim Jackson

Jim Jackson pictured at the 2022 launch of We Did Our Homework On the Bus

Today, with deep sadness, I received news of the death of Jim Jackson (St Mary’s 1974-1981).

I had known Jim since the 1970s. His father Bill was my third year junior teacher at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Blackfen and I got to know Jim very well when the family moved to Bexley in the mid 1970s.

I recall the long, hot summer of 1976 when Jim and I played cricket on the so-called Golden Acre in Bexley Village. Those games would start late morning and often last until we could no longer see the ball. Jim loved those games.

Jim was already at St Mary’s by this time and I remember how kind he was when he learned I was going to St Mary’s in 1977, when he was entering the fourth year. He was always warm and affectionate to me and never lorded it over those younger than him, as some lads were prone to do.

At St Mary’s, Jim looked out for me when I was a first year and always took time to ask me how I was going on.

Jim, standing far right, in the 1976/77 cross country team when he was a third year

After we had both left the school, I bumped into Jim again when we worked as casual Christmas staff at Dartford mail centre. He was his same jovial, kind staff.

I then didn’t see Jim for many years but was delighted that he got in contact with me again when he learned that I was writing the history of the school.

From that point on we communicated regularly. His frequent texts were warm-hearted and generous and I was delighted to see him again for the first time in many years at the launch of We Did Our Homework On The Bus last October.

We pledged to meet for a drink but Jim, in his usual, humble way told me that he had some health issues but that we would definitely meet when he was better.

He stayed in touch but, much to his regret, and mine, Jim was never quite well enough to meet.

I had thought he was recovering so was devastated when I heard the news of his death today from his god daughter. Jim’s death was greeted with shock and sadness in the St Mary and St Joseph’s Facebook group by many including Paul Bensley and Patrick Calnan from his year who had enjoyed seeing him at last year’s book launch.

Jim was one of life’s good guys, a gentle, quietly spoken man with a heart of gold.

Rest in peace Jim.

Jim pictured in 2012. Rest in peace Jim